Clematis 'Kardynał Wyszyński'

Clematis 'Warszawska Nike'

Clematis 'Cloudburst'

 

New varieties come on the market every year including new Polish verieties rised by Szczepan Marczyński in our nursery. Our encycloapedia of plants comprises short characteristics of over three hundred of the most valuable and popular cultivars.

Large flowered and Viticella groups of Clematis

There are known over three thousand of large-flowered Clematis varieties, among which a few dozen are of Polish origin. More than a dozen of them have gained worldwide appraisal and recognition and are cultivated in millions of gardens all over the world in many countries in Europe, both Americas, Asia, Australia and Oceania, e.g.:Clematis  'Niobe' (W. Noll), Clematis 'Generał Sikorski' (W. Noll), Clematis 'Polish Spirit' (S. Franczak), Clematis  'Jan Paweł II' (S. Franczak), Clematis 'Błękitny Anioł' BLUE ANGEL (S. Franczak), Clematis  'Kardynał Wyszyński' (S. Franczak), Clematis  'Warszawska Nike' WARSAW NIKE (S. Franczak), Clematis 'Kacper' (S. Franczak), Clematis 'Westerplatte' (S. Franczak), Clematis 'Emilia Plater' (S. Franczak), Clematis 'Monte Cassino' (S. Franczak) and Clematis 'Matka Urszula Ledóchowska'  (S. Franczak).

Among new beautiful Polish cultivars, raised by Szczepan Marczyński, receiving international approval and awards are: 'Azure Ball' ^PBR, 'Barbara’ ^PBR, 'Beautiful Bride' ^PBR, 'Bieszczady' EARTHQUAKE, 'Copernicus' ^PBR, 'Diamond Ball' ^PBR, 'First Love' ^PBR, ‘Hania’ ^PBR, 'Innocent Blush' ^PBR, 'Jerzy Popiełuszko',  'Julka' ^PBR, 'Krakowiak' ^PBR Viticella group, 'Maria Skłodowska Curie' ^PBR, 'My Darling' ^PBR, 'Mazowsze' VOLCANO, 'Mazury' CRATER LAKE, 'Skyfall' and 'Solidarność'.

It's worthwhile to remember that the majority of double flowered cultivars produce double flowers only during the early blooming in May-June, on previous year's wood, whereas flowers borne on new shoots are single, and may have a slightly different color. The prominent exceptions include: ‘Maria Skłodowska Curie’ ^PBR, ‘Diamond Ball’ ^PBR, 'Kaiser' ^PBR, 'Kiri Te Kanawa', 'Blue Light' ^PBR, 'Mazury' CATER LAKE, 'Multi Blue', 'Shin-shigyoku' and 'Purpurea Plena Elegans', Viticella group, that bear double flowers on both old and new growth.

Clematis viticella (Italian Clematis) - A slender climber reaching up to 4 m, with dainty, small (4-5 cm across), deep violet flowers. Hybrids of this species are sufficiently hardy with variously colored blooms, up to 7 cm in diameter, borne from June to September. Cultivars produced by crosses between Italian Clematis and other clematis varieties form the Viticella Group. These cultivars are not only healthier and less demanding but they also stay decorative over a longer period than large-flowered Clematis. Therefore they are excellent plants for beginning gardeners, and for those who lack time for garden work. Superb for growing up fences, wire nettings, arbors and pergolas, or scrambling through trees and shrubs. In the midst of bloom the sight of plants covered with billowing clouds of flowers is truly charming. The following are considered to be among the most valuable cultivars in the group: 'Alba Luxurians', 'Betty Corning', 'Carmencita', 'Emilia Plater', 'Etoile Violette', 'Krakowiak'^PBR, 'Mme Julia Correvon', 'Night Veil', 'Polonez', 'Purpurea Plena Elegans', 'Słowianka', 'Venosa Violacea'.

Clematis 'Betty Corning', 'Carmencita' , 'Prince Charles'

 

 

Herbaceous Clematis

Herbaceous clematis form an interesting, though not widely spread, group of climbers. Though of smaller flower stature, in full bloom masses of flowers give a spectacular display. Most of the varieties (e.g. Clematis alpina, Clematis macropetala, the Atragene group and Clematis montana) start blossoming in late April - early May, that is 2 to 4 weeks earlier than the earliest flowering large-flowered hybrids. Many have lower growth and culture requirements, for instance cultivars from the Atragene group, the group and the Vitalba group have hardy stems, while clematis from the Tangutica group will tolerate poorer soil and much drier conditions than any other varieties from the genus.

The Atragene Group

Clematis'Maidwell Hall' and 'Ballet Skirt'

Assembles cultivars created by selective breeding and crosses between the mountain clematis species flowering in early spring i.e.: Clematis alpina, Clematis chiisanensis, Clematis faurieri, Clematis koreana, Clematis macropetala, Clematis ochotensis, Clematis sibiricaand Clematis turcestanica. They grow up to 2-3,5 m. Charming, though small flowers are borne on old wood during April-June, and occasionally in summer, on new growth, during July-August. In summer and autumn plants carry most decorative silky seedheads. No pruning is required, but if they grow out of the alloted space, you may cut it back any time after bloom is spent in the autumn. They thrive best in neutral or slightly alkaline moderately moist and well drained soils, in semi-shade. Ideal for growing over low fences or scrambling over rocks and old stumps, clambering through shrubs and trees. They make good ground cover and are suitable for container growing. Cultivars: 'Albina Plena', 'Ballet Skirt', 'Cecile', 'Frances Rivis', 'Frankie', 'Golden Dream' ^PBR, 'Lagoon', 'Lemon Beauty' ^PBR, 'Lemon Dream' ^PBR, 'Maidwell Hall', 'Markham's Pink', 'Pamela Jackman', 'Pink Dream' ^PBR, 'Pink Flamingo', 'Pink Swing' ^PBR, ‘Purple Dream’ ^PBR, 'White Swan', 'Willy'.

Clematis Flammula and Flammula/Recta group

Clematis flammula a strong-growing climber, up to 5 m high, forming a dense tangle of glabrous stems clothed with bright green leaves. From July to October loose panicles of small (3 cm across), pure white, star-shaped, sweetly scented flowers are abundantly scattered over the whole plant, followed in autumn and winter by silky seedheads. Best grown in sunny, warm and sheltered positions. To this goup belong:

Clematis ‘Sweet Summer Love’ ^PBR its small purple flowers (3-4.5 cm in diameter) have intense pleasant scent. It produces abundant blossom in July-August and continues to bloom until early October. It has small, dark green leaves, which remains pleasant looking until autumn. Sunny stand recommended. It grows up to 3.5 m high.

Clematis terniflora 'Early Snow'

Clematis  'Sweet Summer Love' PBR

 

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Flammula-Recta group :

Clematis_xaromatica - scented clematis. A graceful climber with strongly fragrant flowers from July to September. Dark bluish-violet sepals nicely contrast with long creamy stamens. Stems are raised, non-clinging, up to 1,5-2 m long.

Clematis mandschurica - a non-clinging herbaceous perennial, forming masses of small, star-shaped and lightly scented white flowers from July to September. The scent is more distinguished in a sunny position. It grows up to 1,5 m.

Clematis aromatica

Clematis mandchurica

Clematis mandchurica

 

Clematis terniflora (Sweet Autumn Clematis). A vigorous Japanese cultivar, often forming a dense tangle of growth. Very popular in the United States. A late flowering variety bearing during September-November a profusion of small, star-shaped, sweetly scented white flowers. Requires a sunny, hot position with a tall, strong support - it may not flower at all during cool summers or when grown in a shaded position. Veriety ‘Early Snow’ starts flowering in September and continues in October, if frosts don't come – even until mid-November. It is non-fragrant variety.

Clematis monatana 'Freda'

Clematis montana 'Mayleen'

Clematis Montana group

Clematis montana var. rubens  (Anemone clematis; Indian's virgin's bower). A popular free-flowering species of vigorous, often rampant growth, with stems up to 8 m long. During May and June a mass of rosy-mauve flowers, abundantly scattered over the whole plant, can last as long as a few weeks. Unfortunately flower buds and sometimes stems tend to freeze during severe winters. Another very attractive cultivar of this species is 'Freda'. Although less vigorous, it's appreciated for its lovely cherry-rose flowers and purple-green leaves.

Varieties ‘Elizabeth’ and ‘Mayleen’ a vigorous, profusely flowering climbers. A wall of hundreds of light pink, slightly vanilla scented flowers, 6 cm across, with 4 tepals and yellow anthers on creamy filaments can stay on the plant even for a few weeks in May and June.

A rampant growing florifeorus climber, 'Freda' variety with bright cherry-pink flowers, the tepals with darker edges. 

Clemats Tangutica and Vitalba group

Clematis tangutica (golden Clematis) A delightful, easily grown climber that grows up to 3-5 m. Nodding, yellow campanulate flowers, composed of four tepals, are borne on long, downy stalks during summer (June-August), the later ones intermingled with decorative silky seedheads. At the end of September the plant retreats into winter dormancy and the leaves wither.

Similar in looks, but more valuable are cultivars included in the Tangutica Group (they tend to have bigger flowers, bloom more profusely and over a longer period while the foliage can stay green even up to the end of October), created by crosses between Clematis tangutica, Clematis orientalis and Clematis intricata, Clematis ispahanica, Clematis ladakhiana, Clematis serratifolia, Clematis tibetiana. They are healthy, hardy plants with low requirements - they tolerate draught but will perform badly in waterlogged soil. Excellent for growing up walls and wire nettings and very effective at screening unattractive views. They are suitable for all kinds of gardens as well as for growing in public places. The most valuable cultivars include: 'Bill MacKenzie' - the most vigorous of the lot, with yellow, partially open flowers from early summer until first frosts and green foliage from April to the beginning of November; GOLDEN TIARA ‘Kugotia’^PBR - large elongated bright yellow flowers, grows up to 2-3 m; 'Kaśka'  with large, bright yellow flowers, bloom from the end of May even till mid-October. In place of the flowers decorative silky seed heads appear;  'Lambton Park'  is the most attractive and the longest-flowering cultivar from the Tangutica Group - vigorous (up to 4-5 m), with the bulged, slightly open deep yellow flowers. 

Clematis 'Lambton Park'

Decorative silky seed heads during winter

Clematis 'Kaśka'

 

Clematis  'Paul Farges' SUMMER SNOW

Clematis vitalba (Traveler's Joy or Old Man's Beard) A rampant, up to 10 m, familiar climber. Masses of small (2 cm across) creamy-white flowers, borne in panicles, in July-September, followed by glistening, silky seedheads that remain on the plant throughout the winter. Native to Europe, a fully hardy plant, immune to diseases. The Cultivars comprising the Vitalba Group were obtained through crossbreeding Traveler's Joy with other species. The most valuable of them is arguably 'Paul Farges' SUMMER SNOW which is a hybrid of Clematis vitalba and Clematis potanini. It's a charming, very vigorous (up to 7 m), almost rampant cultivar with attractive dark green foliage persisting well into early November. In summer and autumn small (4-5 cm across), star-shaped, slightly scented creamy white flowers are abundantly scattered over the whole plant. A healthy, very hardy clematis with low requirements, particularly useful for covering tall fences or unsightly buildings. Grow in a sunny spot to get the best of the scent.

Clematis 'Princess Diana'

 

Clematis Texensis and Viorna group

Texensis group obtained by crossbreeding Clematis texensis (Scarlet Clematis) with large-flowered varieties.

Clematis 'Sir Trevor Lavrance'

Cultivars from this group grow up to 3 m and bear unusual, shaped like lily-flowered tulips on new growth from June to August. As with all perennials, their previous year's shoots tend to die down completely, so the plants should be hard-pruned close to the ground in March. New stems will grow from the underground part. Best grown in a sunny, warm and sheltered position. Vulnerable to attack from powdery mildew. Cultivars: 'Duchess of Albany', 'Gravetye Beauty', 'Happy Diana', 'Princess Diana' and 'Sir Trevor Lawrence'.

Viorna group consists of varieties that derived from the following species: Clematis crispa, Clematis fusca, Clematis ianthina, Clematis pitcheri, Clematis reticulata and Clematis viorna. Their common characteristic is original campanulate, nodding flowers. Flowers are borne on this year's shoots, from early summer till autumn. To this group belong climbers with woody stems, climbers with annual stems (climbing perennials) and also perennials that doesn't climb over supports. All varieties are suitable for container cultivation and are recommended for garden enthusiasts.

Clematis 'Akane no tsubo'

Clematis 'Sophie'

Clematis 'Crispa Angel'

Clematis 'Princess Red'

 

Varieties:
‘Akane no tsubo’ – japanese cultivar of bell-shaped, nodding flowers, violet sepals with wavy edges; reaches up to 3–4 m height.
‘Crispa Angel’ – japanese cultivar of bell-shaped, nodding flowers 3.5-4 cm in diameter consisting of 4 light blue, white-toned sepals with wavy edges and pointy, curling tips. The plant reaches 1.5 m height.
‘Princes Red’ – fetching, Japanese cultivar of bell-shaped, nodding, pleasantly fruity-scented flowers, 3-3.5 cm in diameter. Flowers consist of 4 carmine sepals with light pink margins and pointy, strongly curled tips. The plant reaches 2.5-3 m height.
‘Sophie’ – Charming, elegant Japanese cultivar of bell-shaped, nodding flowers, 1.5-2 cm in diameter consisting of 4 violet sepals with lighter margins and pointy, strongly curled tips on long, purple pedicles. Suitable for container cultivation.

Clematis Integrifolia and Heracleifolia group

Clematis integrifolia (Solitary Clematis)  A slender-stemmed, scrambling perennial with stems up to 60 cm. From June to September plant covers with bell-shaped nodding violet flowers with recurving tepals. Depending on a variety, flowers can be blue, violet, white or pink. It's a hardy perennial that dies down to the ground each year and survives the winter on food stored in specialized underground stems. Dead stems should be cut out in early spring. As a support you can use neighboring plants, bamboo sticks or stakes, or alternatively you can let it trail along the ground Hybrids produced by crosses between this species and other clematis form the Integrifolia Group. Though still little known, they are very valuable and attractive on the basis of their long and profuse flowering, healthiness hardiness and easy culture. They adapt well to all the familiar garden uses and can be successfully grown on balconies and terraces but also in public places. They are non-clinging in habit with the stems, depending on a variety, between 40 to 200 cm long,but will meander through a border and amongst existing plants in a delightful manner, adding interest to shrubs that have finished flowering (e.g. azaleas that flower beautifully but shortly in early spring, and afterwards they form a monotonous mass of green until the autumn when its leaves variegate), or providing a contrast of color and form. Clematis from this group are charming companions for border roses and other shrubs, invaluable for creating groups and borders. When grown without support, they will spread out over the ground creating attractive covers.

The following list comprises some of the most valuable hybrids: 'Alionushka', 'Arabella' (1994), 'Bluish Violet', 'Hakuree', 'Hanajima', 'Heather Herschell', INSPIRATION^® 'Zoin', 'Little Artist', 'Olgae', 'Pamiat Serdtsa', 'Rooguchi', 'Rosea', 'Ryuan', 'Sizaia Ptitsa'.

Clematis 'Sizaia Ptitsa'

Clematis 'Hakuree'

 

Clematis  heracleifolia (Tube Clematis) a herbaceous perennial with raised, stiff stems, up to 1 m. Small (2-5 cm across), tubular, sweetly scented, blue-mauve flowers are produced from July to September in large clusters similar to that of a hyacinth, located in the leaf axils. Ideal for scrambling through herbaceous perennials and shrubs. Cultivars created by crosses between this species and other clematis comprise the Heracleifolia Group. The most valuable among them are:

Clematis 'Praecox'

 

Clematis 'Praecox'  raised as a hybrid of Traveler's Joy (Clematis vitalba) and Tube Clematis (Clematis heracleifolia), it's the best ground cover clematis that makes a welcome addition to every garden. Its large dark green leaves, trifoliate with coarsely toothed leaflets, spread densely over the ground. Stems grow rampantly (3-4 m of annual growth), and in just a few weeks cover the ground with a thick carpet, thus inhibiting weeds and preventing soil from excessive heating and drying out. In June and July the plant covers with masses of small, 3-4 cm across, pinkish-mauve flowers, gathered in large panicles. It's sufficiently hardy. The pruning should be hard or moderate, depending on the area to cover. 

Clematis 'Cassandra'

 

 

Clematis 'Cassandra' a perennial cultivar with stiff, erected stems that don’t twine round the support but can lean against it. Bright blue, hyacinth shaped, fragrant flowers, consisting of 4 rolled back tepals with nicely crimped margins, are borne in clusters in leaf axils from July to September. Particularly useful for perennial borders or among shrubs.

 

Other Clematis varieties:

Clematis japonica (powojnik japoński) a Japanese variety with most unusual nodding flowers: shiny, bell-shaped, deep brown-red in color, borne single or in panicles on long stalks. No pruning required. Thrives in warm sunny positions, sheltered from cold winds. Best planted among other plants and allowed to meander through small deciduous or coniferous shrubs. Recommended especially to garden connoisseurs.

 

Clematis  florida (powojnik kwiecisty) a unique species with very original flowers: white with a greenish stripe on the reverse of the sepals and dark purple-black stamens. In autumn flowers turn green. Blossoms are produced only on new wood from June to September. Since it's not fully hardy, it's best grown in a warm sunny and wind sheltered position e.g. on a wall facing south. It also requires good protection in winter. Thrives best in moist well drained soil. Best suited for cultivation in containers that are transferred in winter to a cold room with the temperature between 0^oC and 5^oC. The most valuable cultivars are:

Clematis florida var. flore-pleno with double white flowers and Clematis florida var. sieboldiana with creamy-white flowers and a deep red-purple central eye.

Clematis rehderiana a species native to west China. Unusual, sweetly scented bell-shaped flowers of pale yellow with recurving tips are borne in large bunches during September - October. Leaves are composed of 5-9 leaflets with attractive prominent veining. Hard pruning recommended. Thrives best in well drained soil in full sun. Particularly useful for growing over fences, nettings, trellises, arbors, pergolas and other garden supports, or medium sized trees and shrubs. Recommended especially to garden connoisseurs.